Butterfly Time

7/18/2012

The butterflies are out and about. I tried to tell this Spicebush Swallowtail that the monkshood was poisonous, but he wouldn't listen. He was trying to dodge the big storms we got yesterday. I saw a lot of folks that looked like they did not read High On LeConte. A lot of soaking wet and cold hikers were huddled around the heater during the storm. Today is starting out to be a repeat of yesterday. If you are hiking up today, do yourself a favor and splurge on that two dollar poncho. It will make for a much happier experience.

edwinnia

7/18/2012 04:56:26 am

Beauty in action!

Jacque J

7/18/2012 08:10:12 am

Beautiful picture! Wondering if the flowers on gregory bald are in bloom? I so want to experience it someday!

doug

7/18/2012 08:39:30 am

I drove down to the Park early yesterday afternoon to camp at Cades Cove so I could do the loop on one of my bicycles this morning; before going out to the Cove I went up to the Alum Cave trailhead and did a quick hike up to Alum Cave and back; on the way down I encountered numerous hikers who apparently were very poorly equiped; I thought about these ill-equipped persons all the way back home today and your comments about those who evidently do not read High On Leconte just struck home, etc. WIth increase in altitude conditions also change, often dramatically as you are well aware; I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to post some kind of notice or additional warning down at the trailhead in the hopes that some of these rookie hikers might take notice and thereby encourage them to be better prepared ? Just posting your webaddress might suffice; Would the Park Service even allow this ? I don't pretend to be an expert and this is simply my opinion, although in my many years of hiking in the Smokies in all kinds of conditions I feel that perhaps my comments might in some small way help other less experienced hikers to prepare more thoroughly and enjoy their backcountry journeys more, and more safely; I have participated in rescue mission in the past and I've seen instances where just a minimum amount of just rain gear would have prevented a lot of unpleasantness, etc. Ok, I've given my two bits; Hope all the storms I'm seeing on the weather sites don't affect you this afternoon; G'day.

Mark Ralston

7/18/2012 09:34:33 am

Here in Georgia, I've seen many occasions when people leave the flatlands in shorts under warm, sunny skies and find themselves at risk of hypothermia in 45-degree rain with 30 mph winds above 4,000 feet (2,500 feet lower than LeConte!). I don't know how to communicate the effects of elevation on temperature and rain to people who don't know they need to know, but it would sure save a lot of misery (and lives!) if we could. One rule of thumb I've found helpful: subtract 3-5 degrees F for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. And always, always assume it could rain.

Jane Thurmer

7/18/2012 01:39:15 pm

I just love your blog, the amazing photography, the way your blog reads like good poetry----makes me miss the mountain and brings so many sweet memories of staying at the lodge back to mind! So glad to hear that there are some good caretakers watching over it. Blessings to you all!

Debi link

7/18/2012 11:46:00 pm

Well, we finally got rain up in Michigan Tuesday night. There are also storms in the forcast today. Yahhh!! With all that rain you've had up there, hopefully it will be out of its system by the time I come up. But I do have ponchos on my grocery list today.

Juanita

7/18/2012 11:46:17 pm

Beautiful picture.

doug

7/19/2012 01:30:54 am

Great advice Mark. Perhaps a sign that had "You Need To Know This:" at the top could get the attention of these folks; I guess there'll always be those who won't become informed;

Mark

7/19/2012 07:31:33 am

Hiking the long distance routes in the Smokies takes hours and hours. I have never seen a place that has changing weather conditions faster. Wal mart sells an 88 cent pocket poncho that is a thin wallet size, and would give you peace of mind when you hear the rumble of thunder.

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